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City/Town Snapshot: Youngtown, AZ
OUR PAST
The one word, UNIQUE, perfectly articulates the essence of Youngtown, a community of 6,200 people in two square miles with a distinct village feel. Located
in the heart of the thriving northwest quadrant of Metro Phoenix, Youngtown is both small-town welcoming and big-city innovative.
Youngtown's town square was originally a working ranch owned by Gilbert and Frances Greer. From these roots, the town was founded as the nation's first
retirement community in 1954 and incorporated as a municipality in 1960. Following a slow and steady growth pattern up to the start of the new millennium,
Youngtown increased in population by 100% in ten years with the addition of the Agua Fria Ranch planned community.
As indicated by this history, Youngtown will celebrate its 60th (Diamond) Anniversary in 2014. Celebrations will reflect the town's traditional atmosphere of
camaraderie and familiar small-town hospitality.
OUR PRESENT
Youngtown is home to more than 150 businesses, many of which have been active for 30 to 40 years. An additional 250 businesses that are based outside the Town do
business in Youngtown. The Town's main industries are health-based and include two pharmaceutical compound pharmacies, Women's International Pharmacy and Pet Health
Pharmacy, and the LifeStream Complete Senior Living campus. A broad range of retail and service companies are located in the Town's Grand Avenue, Town Center and
Olive Avenue Business Districts. One of the primary features of the retail sector is the many golf cart companies located in the Town Center Business District.
The town's modern library is frequented by residents from throughout the northwest valley due to its friendly atmosphere and peaceful setting in Greer Park. Seven
parks, a lovely lake, special town events and three commercial centers provide fun opportunities within walking distance. Once in the car, Youngtown residents are
provided an abundance of entertainment in neighboring Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise.
At the core of the town's identity are its black-and-white striped awnings on the facades of public and commercial buildings - visual identification with the brand
"Uniquely Youngtown." During the past six months, 113th Avenue has welcomed a Montessori-style charter school called Discover U, a Southwest Key Programs facility,
and a lovely 65-unit apartment block by Englewood Development.
And OUR FUTURE
The town has morphed from a community of 80% post-55 residents to one of 80% young people with a median age of 37. Families abound, and Youngtown is changing with the
times. Free of debt and with money in the bank, Youngtown is now able to invest in economic development. The town is currently planning a light-industrial/office park
at the corner of 114th and Olive Avenues. The park will encompass approximately 60 acres of manufacturing, offices and retail. A feasibility study, commissioned by the
town and performed by W.C. Scoutten Inc. and Elliott D. Pollack & Company, affirmed the viability of the site for a successful commerce park venture.
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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